Behind the Scenes

See how the magic works backstage

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A
lot more than actors go into making a play come to life onstage — lights,
sound, scenery, props, dressers and so on. These are part of the rehearsal
process, of course, but they get their final tweaks during technical
rehearsals, an aspect of production that audiences seldom get to see. Sure, it
might take away a bit of the magic, but in truth, it takes a special kind of
magic to make these things happen — and you have a chance to do see how its
done on Sunday afternoon at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park during a free
“open tech rehearsal” of the upcoming Shelterhouse production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

If
you attend, you’ll have a chance to watch the show’s co-directors, Ed Stern and
Michael Evan Haney, work with designers, running crew and stage management to
complete all of the show’s lighting and sound cues. Props and costumes are
added, and the actors get their first chance to work onstage with all these
elements. (The show begins previews on Oct. 1 and officially opens on Thursday,
Oct. 6.)

Two
90-minute sessions will be offered. One is from noon to 1:20 p.m. (admission
begins promptly at 11:50 a.m.); the second is 1:30 to 2:50 p.m. (admission at
1:20 p.m.). Latecomers cannot be admitted; once you have entered the theater,
you cannot leave in the middle of the session.

Although
admission is free, you need to make reservations by calling the Playhouse box
office (513-421-3888). Space is limited. Reservations will be accepted until
the box office closes at 9 p.m. on Sept. 24 unless both sessions are filled.

This is an exciting chance to see an aspect of playmaking seldom made
available to theater fans. I hope you take advantage of it.